Switch mechanism



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2, 4 K H M- W J H KENDIG SWITCH MECHANISM Original Filedne'. 7 1921April 22, 1930.

I WITNESSES: 0;

Reiasued Apr. 22, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JULIAN H. KENIJIG, OFPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB TO WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC 8tMANUFACTURING COMPANY, .5 CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA swrrcn MncrmmsmOriginal No. 1,678,882, dated July 31, 1928, Serial No. 520,563, filedDecember 7, 1921. Application for reissue filed February 12,

rotatable snap switch with a current-respon-' sive element that causesthe switch to be opened under overload or short-circuit conditions inthe circuit.

- Another object of my invention is to provide a switch, having theabove characteristics, wherein rotation of the switch-operating shaft toreclose the circuit'resets the currentresponsive device in condition toagain function in response to an overload or shortcircuit.

Another object of my invention is to provide a snap switch, having theabove characteristics, that is applicable to a three-pole circuit andwhich will open when an overload or a short-circuit occurs on eitheroftwoconductors of the circuit.

Another object of my invention is to provide a rotary snap switch with athermal cutout that is reset by a normal switch-closing operation andwhich may be repeatedly reset an indefinite number of times withoutrequiring attention.

Another object of my invention is to provide a rotary snap switch havinga thermal cutout which does not permit the circuit to be maintainedclosed should the switch be operated'while the short-circuit or overloadconditions exist.

Another object of my invention is to provide a rotary snap switch with asimple thermal-cutout mechanism that may be installed in a-case ofsimilar size and shape to that of standard snap capacity.

These and other objects, that will be made apparent throughout thefurther description of the inventiomare attained by meansof the switchmechanism hereinafter described,

switches of equal and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1' is a ongltudinal sectional view of a rotatable snap switchembodying features of my invention; 1

Fig. *2 is, a transverse section through the switch mechanism taken onthe line II-II 1930; Serial No. 427,918.

of Fig. -1, showing parts section and in elevatlon;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the stop mechanism for the switch, showing theoperating shaft in transverse section;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation and endview of a cam member;

Figs. 5 and 6 are side and front elevational views, respectively, of acam-operatinggear; Figs. 7 and 8 are front and side elevatlonal viewsof'a stop member;

Fig. 9 is a transverse section through the operating shaft showing aratchet device;

Figs. 10 and 11 are front and sidejelevational views, respectively, of acurrent-responsive thermal element of the switch mechanism;

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section through a modified form of cutoutmechanism, and

Fig. 13 is a transverse section through'tlie mechanism shown in Fig. 12,the section being taken on the line XII -XII of Fig. 12.

Referring to the drawings, the switch mechanism includes an insulatingbase 13, preferably made of porcelain or molded insulating compound,upon which an operating shaft 14 is rotatably mounted in a metal 15 issecured tothe. base by means of a threaded nut 18. The inner end of theoperating shaft extends beyond the bushing and is retained againstlongitudinal displacement in one direction by means of a cotter pin 19.Upon the plate 16 a pawl 21 is pivoted, as indicated in Fig. 9, forengagmg a ratchet Wheel 22 that is secured to the shaft 14. The

' pawl 21 is normally, retained in operative position with respect tothe ratchet wheel 22 by means of a leaf spring 23. The pawl and ratchetserve to prevent counter-clockwise rotation of the operating shaft for areason that will hereinafter appear.

The base is provided with perforations-24 through which the ends ofcurrent conductors 25 proiject into the switchchamber 26 constituted y ametal closure or cap member 27 that is provided with an insulatmg lining28. Terminal members 29 and .30 are mounted upon the enclosed .face ofthe base 13 and are provided with attaching screws -31 by means of whichthe ends of the conductors 25 are attached to the terminals.

terminal 29 is-secured tothe base by means plate 33 to the base.

The

of screws 32 which serve to clamp a conductor A switch-contact memger 34is mounted upon a ledge 35 in the base "nd is attached thereto in spacedrelation to the plate .33 by means of screws 36. The

plate 33 and switch-contact member 34 serve -to support a wire-likeconductor shaft 37 between the ends of which a thermally-responsiveelement 38 is mounted for rotation under predetermined conditions.

Theelement 38 comprises a pinion having teeth 39 which are adapted tomesh with an operating gear to be hereinafter described.-

Theelement 38 is mounted upon a metal hub 41 with a cylindricalinsulating sheath42 disposed therebetweenwhich insulates the gear fromthe conductorshaft. The hub 41 is provided with an opening of largerdiameter than the conductor 37 at its central portion for the purpose ofretaining a small quantity of solder or other material having-a lowfusion point. The gear is retained in its oper- .erably co per, that areclamped together by means 0 rivets 47 and mounted upon aswitch-supporting plate 48 in spaced relation thereto. The ends of theswitch member 46 are curved in such manner that, when the switch memberis rotated, the contacts 34 and 44 split them and are yieldingly engagedthereby.

The switch member is yieldingly connected to the operating shaft 14 bymeans of'a helical spring '49 that is secured, at one end, to a notchedshoulder 51' on the operatingshaft and, at the other end, to theoperating plate 48; It will be seen from the foregoing that, when theoperating shaft, which is provided with an operating handle .52, isrotated in a 7' clockwise direction, the spring 49' will cause 1s madeto prevent rotation of the switch member until after the operating shafthas been turneda predetermined distance. This action causes energy to bestored in the spring 49 which moves the switch member the switch memberto be similarly rotated.

'In order'to cause the switch to move with a snap-action from openposition, wherein the switch member is disposed at right angles to thecontact members, to the closed position ,wherein the ends jot the switchmember yieldingly, engage the contact members, provision with asnap-action when the said member is released. This is accomplished bymeans of a well known cam-operated latch-and-stop mechanism whichincludes a stop plate 53 that is provided with four projections or stoplugs 54 (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8). The plate is supported upon thebase by means of wings 55 that are attached to the base by means ofscrews 56. A latch or trigger 57, illustrated in Fig. 3, is mounted forrotation about the shaft 14 and is provided with a circular opening 58into which a projection 59 extends. The opening 58 is of such diameterthat the latch 57 may be moved transversely of the axis of the shaft 14a sufficient distance to withdraw they-latch finger 61 from engage mentwith one'ot the stop lugs 54. A cam 62, that is adapted to be rotated bythe shaft 14, operates in the opening 58. This cam com prlses twosemi-circular sections 63 and 64 of different diameters having theircenter of curvature disposed eccentric to the axis'of the shaft-14. Thesemi-circular sections are so related that the ends of. the larger formtwo contact projections-65 and 66.

v Referring to Fig. 3, it will be seen that,

when the cam 62 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the curved section64 of the cam engages the projection 59 and causes the latch 57 to bemoved transversely of the axis of the shaft 14 until the finger 61clears the stop 54. The latch 57 is pi'hyided with an integral upstruckprojection that projects toward the handle 52 and operates in a radialslot 68 in the switch-supporting plate 48. v

y reason ofthis construction, the latch 57 is caused to rotate withtheswitch-supporting plate 48, when the finger 6]: of the latch has beenmoved clear of the stop 54. The instant the finger 61 clears the stop,the spring 49, which has been Wound by the turning moves ment of theoperating shaft 14, causes the switch-supporting plate and the switchmemaction into the open position wherein the her to .be'rotated through90 with a sfapswitch memberis disposed at right angl s to: j the contactmembers.

Rotary movement of the latch 57. witlrre- I spect to the shaft 14 andcam 62 causes the latch. or finger 6l-to be moved outwardly radiallyduring its movement so that it is again lII POSItlOII to engage th nextsucceeding sto 54 and to arrest the movement of, the

'SWItCh member inthe open position. By reason of this construction, theswitch may be moved alternately. from open to closed position and from.closed to open position by turning the'operating shaft in a clockwisedirection.

The latch 57 is provided with a; shoulder 69 which engages the inner'face 71 of the stop member 54and prevents counter clockwise rotation ofthe latch 57 The projectipn u 65 ofthe cam engages the projection 59/011the latch and prevents rotation rof the operating shaft inacounter-clockwise direction.

The projection 66 of the cam is adapted to engage the projection 59 ofthe latch and cause positive movement of the switch member 1n case thelatter should adhere to the contact members. The switch-operatingmechanism thus far described, with the exception of the ratchet wheel 22and pawl 21 which serve as a ratchet mechanism, is well knownin the art.

In the practice of my invention, I employ means to so rotate the cam 62,independently of the operating shaft, that the latch is moved toreleased position when the thermal-cutout mechanism is actuated by anoverload or short-circuit condition in the circuit. To accomplish this,I provide the cam 62 with an integral ratchet sleeve 72 and also providethe cam with an. arcuate slot 73 in which a pin 74, secured to the shaft14, operates.

Referring to Fig. 3, it will be seen that the pin 74 engages the end ofthe slot-7 3 and rotates the cam 62 with the shaft in a clockwisedirection. By reason of the arcuate slot 73, the cam may be rotatedindependently of the shaft 14 through at least 90. The purpose of thisprovision will hereinafter appear. A gear 75, illustrated in Figs. 1, 5and 6, is mounted for rotation upon the toothed portion of the ratchetsleeve 7 2 and is provided with a pawl 76 that is pivotally mounted inan arcuate slot 77 in the gear 75. The

pawl is held in engagement with the ratchet sleeve 72 by means of a leafspring 78- that is secured in the slot 79 in the gear 75. The pawlserves to permit a turning movement of the shaft 14 in a clockwisedirection in dependently of the, gear 75 and also serves to drive orturn the ratchet sleeve and cam 62 in a clockwise direction when thegear 75 is turned in a similar direction.

The gear 75 is provided, at its periphery,

with teeth to mesh with the teeth of the pinion 38 of, thethermalsresponsive mechanism. One face of the gear 75 is provided withaxially extending teeth or'projecti'ons 81. A spiral coil spring'82 iswound about the operating shaft and one end thereof= is fixed to theshaft while the free end thereof extends outwardly and is provided witha bent portion 83 that is adapted to ratchet .over the teeth 81 afterthe spring has been wound about the shaft .a predetermined numberofturns and has stored therein a prede-.

operating shaft is prevented by the pawl 21 which engages the teeth ofthe ratchet wheel 22. The pawl 21 and ratchet wheel 22, at this time,perform the same function that the fingers of the operator performduring the turning movement of the operating shaft when the switch isbeing manually operated. I

The spring 82 is supported between the washers'84 and 85 which retain itin operative position, the latter serving to enclose the pawl 21 and theratchet wheel 22.

Current normally flows from the conductor 25 through the terminal member29, screws 32, conductor plate 33, conductor wire or shaft 37, contactmember 34, switch member 46, contact member 44, terminal 30 to the op.-posite conductor 25. It will be seen, therefore, that current, inpassing. throughthe switch, flows through the conductor shaft 37 uponwhich the thermal-responsive device 38 is rotatably mounted.

It is assumed that the spring 82 has suflicient energy stored therein torotate the gear 75 and the cam 62 through not less than 180. l t alsoassumed that the ,spring' 49 is wound with sufficient tension to operatethe switch member 46 through at least 180.

During normal current conditions in the circuit, the switch is actuatedmanually by turn ing the operating handle 52 in a clockwise directionthroughgnbstantially 90 which is suflicient to release the switch memberand normally cause the switch member to be rotated through 90 fromeither open position to closed position or from closed position to openposition. After the switch member has been moved to closed position,sufiicient energy still remains stored in the spring 49 tocause theswitch member to be rotated through 90 to open position when the switchmember .has been released through the medium of the thermal-responsivemechanism.

Assuming that the switch is in Closed/position and that an overloadcondition occurs. in the circuit, the solder 40in the thermal-responsive' device 38 is fused by the excess heat generated in theconductor shaft 37 which permits of rotary movement of the gear 38.Heretofore, movement of the gear 75 had 1 been prevented by reason ofthe engagement of the teeth thereof with the teeth of the gear 38 whichhas been held stationary by the solder but the instant the gear 38 isreleased by reason of the fusion of the solder, the spring 82 causes thegear 75 to turn in a clockwise direction and to turn the cam .62 throughthe medium of-the pawl 7 6 which engages the teeth of the ratchet sleeve72. Relative movement of the cam 62 with respect to the shaft 14, whichis, at thisitime, held stationary by the reactive force of the spring82, is permitted by reason of the arcuate slot 73. It

will be seen, therefore, that the instant the.

inion of the thermal-res nsive device 38 is released, the switchmem rwill be caused tion and move the pin 74 into driving engagement with thecam 62, after which movement of the operating handle through an additional 90 will cause the switch member to be actuated to closed positionwherein all of the parts will be in the relative positions occupiedoriginally, and energy will be stored in 0th springs 82 and 49, asbefore.

Should overload or short-circuit conditions exist in the circuit whenthe switch is again.

closed, the pinion of the device'38 willagain be released and cause theswitch member to be moved to open position regardless of, the

a position of the operating handle and whether it is'being heldstationary-"by the operator. It is, therefore, "impossible to maintainthe circuit closed while short-circuit or overload the sleeve 72. ThisWheel is provided with conditions exist in the circuit.

Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, wherein a modified form ofthermal-responsive mechanism is illustrated, that isadapted for use in amultipole circuit, it will be seen that two separate thermal-responsivemechanisms are employed, the object being to provide mechanism that willcause the switch to be moved to open position in response to overload orshort-circuit conditions in either of two conductors of athree-conductor circuit.

In this construction, the switch mechanism is like that previouslydescribed with the exception that the cam 62 is provided with a longerratchet sleeve 72 having two sets 86 and 87 of teeth disposed in spacedrelation. Two gears 88 and 89, that are similar to the gear 75previously described and perform the same function, are mounted forrotation about the sets of ratchet teeth 86 and 87 respe'ctive- 1y. Eachis provided with a pawl 76 for engaging the teeth of theratchet'sections. Thegears are of crown form having teeth .91 thatextend in an'axial direction and which are adapted to mesh withthermal-responsive device pinions 92 and 93 that are rotatably mountedon conductor shafts 95 and 94 of separate circuits. Between the gears, aplanet-' ary wheel 96-is mounted for rotation about axially extendingteeth 97 over which'a spiral coil spring 82 ratchets in a manner similarto the spring 82,

sleeve 72 is provi ed with an arcuate slot 98 which extends through 180.Theinner end of the spring rojectslthrough the slot and extends to the saft 14.; "It will be seen, thereyfore, that provision-iskmade' forpermitting the sleeve to rotate through at least 1808 (previouslydescribed. The.

independently of movement of the spring 82.

At diametrically opposite points on the periphery of the wheel 96, apair of planetary are disposed between-the teeth of the gears 88 and 89.Both gears arenormally held stationary by reason of the engagement ofthe planetary pinions with the teeth of the gears 88 and 89 which are,in turn, held stationary by the pinions 92 and 93. In case an overloador a short-circuit occurs in either of the pinions 99 and 101 arepivotally mounted and two conductor shafts 94 or 95, the pinion Ymounted thereon will be released and the gear ions 99 will advance boththe gears 88 and 89 through at least 90 or suificient distance torelease the switch member and permit it to be moved to open position.After the switch has been opened by reason of the operation of thethermal-cutout mechanism, it may reset and the circuit again closed in amanner similar a to that described in connection with the singleoleswitch. 1

hile I have described and illustrated but two embodiments of myinvention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat variouschanges, modifications, substitutions, ad-

ditions and omissions may be made therein within the spirit and scope ofmy invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. The combination with a switch member the manually operable means forreleasing the switch member. I

3. The combinationwith a switch member adapted to be progressively movedtoopen and to closed positions with a snap-action,

of manually t operable means for arresting the switch memberpredetermined positions, of a thermal-responsive means for actuatlng thearresting means.

4. The combination wlth a contact member,

a progressively movable switch member and manually operable means forarresting movement of the switch member in predetermined positions withrespect to the contact member, of a thermal'responsive element forcontrolling the said arresting means.

5. The combination with a contact member, a progressively movable switchmember and manually releasable meansfor arresting movement of the switchmember in predetermined positions with respect to the contact member, ofa current-responsive element for controlling the said arresting means.

6. The combination with a contact-member, a progressively movable switchmember and means for arresting movement of the switch member inpredetermined positions with respect to the contact member, of a fusibleelement for controlling the said arresting means.

7. The combination with a contact member, a progressively rotatableswitch member for alternately engaging and disengaging the contactmember, energy-storing means for rotating theswitch in one direction andmanually operable means for arresting movement of the switch memberinpredetermined positions with respect to the contact member andforreleasing the switch member when actuated, of a current-responsivemeans for actuating the said arresting means.

'8. The combination with a contact member, a rotatable switch member,energy-stop ing means for rotating the switch member in one direction,means for actuating the energystoring means rotatable in the samedirection as the switch member, and manually operable means forarresting movement of the switch member in predetermined positions withrespect to the contact member and for releasing the ,switch'member, of acurrentresponsive means for controlling movement of the said arrestingmeans. a

9, The combination with a contact member, a rotatable switch member,energy-storing means for rotating the switch member in one direction,means for actuat ng the energy-storin means rotatable in the samedirection as the switch member, and means actuated by the said actuatingmeans for ar-' resting movement of the switch member in predeterminedpositions with respect to the contact member, of a current-responsiveelement for controllingmovements of said arresting means. Y

. 10. [he combination with a contact memher, a rotatable switch member,an operating member having a lost-motion yielding connection with theswitch member for rotating the switch member in one direction a stopmember and a latch member actuated operating member for engaging thestop I by the member and arresting the switch member in predeterminedpositions with respect-to the" of the'switch member in predeterminedpositions with respect to the contact member and for releasing theswitch member when actuated, of a means responsive to current in thecircuit for actuating the said arresting means.

12. The combination with a contact member, a switch member progressivelymovable in a predetermined path of movement to suecessively make andbreak enga ement with the contact member, manual y operable means forarresting movement of the switch member inpredetermined positions in thepath of movement, means for biasing the a switch member toward eachsuccessive position, of a current-responsive element for normallyretaining the switch member in a predetermined position against theaction of the biasing means and adapted to release the switch memberunder predetermined current conditions.

,13. The combination with a contact member, a switch member rogressivelymovable in .a predetermined pat ofmovemen't to suecessively make andbreak engagement with the contact -member, manually operable means forarresting movement ofthe switch path of movement and for releasing thesaid switch member when actuated, means for biasingthe switch membertoward each sucmember in predetermined positions in the cessiveposition, of a current-responsive element'for normally retaining theswitch member in a predetermined position against the action'of thebiasing means and adapted to actuate the-manually operable meansunderpredetermined current conditions, and a manually-operable means foractuating the switch member.

14. The combination with a contact member, a switch member r0ressively'movable in a predetermined'pat o movement to suc-' cessivelymake'and break engagement withthe contact member, means for arrestingmovement of'the switch member in prede-' termined positions in the pathof movement,

means for biasing the-switch member toward each successive position, ofmeans for normally retaining the switch memberin a pre- 1 determinedposition against the action of thev :biasing means and adapted torelease the switch member when actuated and current responsive andmanually-operable means for actuatin the 'switc member.

theretaining means for releasing 0 15. In a switch mechanism, thecombinatlon with a contact member, a rotatable switch member therefor,an operating shaftfor the switch member, a stop member, a latch forengagmgsthe stopmemberand for aractuated by the shaft for moving'thelatch moving means toreleasing' position, and a current-responsiveelement for controlling the said springmember.

16. In a switch mechanism, the-combination with a contact member, arotatable switch member therefor, an operating shaft for the switchmember, a stop member, a latch for engaging the stop member and forarresting the switch member in predetermined-positions with respecttothe conta-cttmember, a springfor connecting the operating shaft to theswitch member and for storing sullicient energy to move the switchmember from one position to another when the switch member is released,a means actuated by the shaft for moving the latch to release positionto permit movement of the switch member from one po sition to another,of a means for preventing reverse movement of the shaft, an auxlliaryenergy-storing spring member actuated by the shaft for moving the latchmoving means .to releasing positionindependently of movement oftheshaft" and a current-responsive gleement for controlling the saidspring mem- I; 17 In a switch mechanism, the combination with alatchco'ntrolled rotatable snap switch having an energy-storing springnormally tending to advance the switch member from one operativeposition to another in response to movement of-the switch-operatingshaft to predetermined operative positions,'of

an auxiliary energy storlng member actuated by movement-of the shaftadapted to actuate the said latch to releasing position independr entlyof movement of the shaft and a currentresponsive element normallyrendering the auxiliaryenergy-storing member inoperative and ads. ted torelease the said element un-. V

' moved from one operative position to another d'er pre eterminedcurrentconditions.

'18. In aswitch mechanism, the -comb1nation with acontact member arotatable switch membe f r, an operating sha t rotatable inone directiononly, a spring for operatively connecting the shaft, and theswitchmember and permitting relative movement thereof, a stop member, a latchfor engaging the stop lme'm her for holding the switch in predeterminedpositions with respect to the contact member while the operating shaftisturned with respect to the switch and for releasing the switch'when theshaft is turned a predetermined distance, of a current-responsive meansfor actuating the latch independently of the operating handle.

'19. In a switch mechanism, the combination with a multipole switchhaving a plurality of separate switch elements for controlling aplurality of circuits and adapted to be moved from one operativeposition to another operative position, of a means normally tendingtomove the switch elements from one 1m;

position, and means responsive to current in anypne of a plurality ofcircuits controlled by the switch elements for releasing the retain--ing means under predetermined current conditions.

separate switch elements for controlling a 'sition to another, means forreleasably retaming the switch elements in an operative 20. In a switchmechanis1n,-the combination with a multipole switch having a pluralityof plurality of circuits and'adapted to be moved from one operativeposition to another opera tive position, of a'means'norm'allytending tomove the switch elements from one position to another, means forreleasably retainmg the swltch elements 1n an operative position, and afusible means responsive to current in any one of a plurality ofcircuitscontrolled by the switch elements for releasing the retainingmeans under predetermined current conditions.

'21. In a swltch'mechamsm, the comb nation with a multipole switchhaving a plu rahty of separate switch elements for controllingaplurality ofcir'cuits' and adaptedto be I moved from one operativeposition to another operative position, of a means normally tendmg tomove the switch elements from one position to another, means forreleasably' retaini-ng the switch elements in an operative position,aplurality of separate independently'operable elements'for releasing theretainingmeans, and a current-responsive element in each of the luralityof circuits controlled by the switch e ements for normally retaining thereleasing means and for releasing the said releasing means underpredetermined current V conditlons.

22. In a switch mechanism, the-c'ombination with a multipoleswitch-having a plural ity of separate switch elements for controllingapluralityof circuits and-adaptedto be operative position; of a meansnormally tending to move the switch elements from one po-.

ing the switch elements inan operative-posis'it1on tg another,meansfor'releasably retainmeans, a single means for actuating the re-,

ly retaining each releasing means and for determined current conditions.

23. In a switch mechamsm, the combinareleasing the said retaining meansunder pre-v I tion with a mnltipole switch havinga plural ity ofseparateswitch elements for controlling a plurality of circuits andadapted to be moved from one operative position to another operativeposition, of a means normally tending to move the switch elements fromone position to another, means for releasably rctaining the switchelements in an operative osition, a plurality of separate independentyoperable means, a single means for actuating the releasing elements andmeans responsive to current in any one'of a plurality of circuitscontrolled by the switch elements for preventing. operation of thereleasing elements except under predetermined current conditions.

24. In a switch mechanism, the combination with a multipole switchhaving aplurality of separate switch elements for controlling aplurality of circuits and adapted to be moved from one operativeposition to another operative position, of a means'normally tending tomove the switch elements from one position to another, means forreleasably retaining the switch'clements in an operative position, aplurality of independentlyoperable gear members for actuating theretaining means to releasing position, a separate current-responsiveelement in separate circuits for preventing operation of the gearmembers exceptunder predetermined current condi tions and a planetarypinion for moving either gear member independently of, or simultaneouslywith, the other gear member.

25. Switch mechanism comprising a base,

on operating shaft rotatably mounted thereon, ratchet means forpreventing rotation of the operating shaft except inone direction,contact members mounted on the base, a

' switch member rotatably'mounted on the opcrating shaft and movablerelatively thereto,

as ring for yieldingly connecting the shaft' .to t e switch memberadapted to be biased b the operating shaft 'for moving the switcmemberwith a snap action when the switch 'member'is released, a stopmember fixed to.

' the base and having a plurality of stop projections thereon forarresting movement of the switch member in predetermined positions withrespect to the contact members, a latch memberrotatable with the switchmember and movable into and out of engagement with the stop projections,a cam member having a lostmotion connection with theoperating shaft foractuating the latch members out of engagement with a stop projectionwhen the operating handle is rotated at pre-- determined distanceinopposition to the said predetermined point when the shaft is rotatedbeyond a predetermined number of revolutions, a conductor connected toone of the contact members, and a pinion secured thereto with fusiblemetal and meshing with the said gear for retaining the gear stationaryand for releasing the gear under predetermined current conditions.

26. Switch mechanism comprising a contact member, a switch membermovable into engagen'ient with the contact member, means operating theswitch, and manually operable and tliermal-responsive means forreleasably retaining the switch in engagement with the contact member.

27. Switch mechanism comprising a'contact member, a switch membermovable into engagement with the contact member, means including aprogresslvely rotatable shaft and a spring actuated by the shaft formoving the 'inchiding a progressively rotatable shaft for switch out ofengagement with'the contact member and manually operable andthermalresponsive means for releasably retaining the isjwltch inengagementiwith the contact memer.

28. Switch mechanism comprising a con tact member, a switch membermovable into engagement with the contact member, means including aprogressively rotatable shaft for operating the switch, and manuallyoperable and current-responsive means for releasably retaining theswitch in engagement with the contact member.

29. Switch mechanism. comprising a contact member, a switch membermovable into engagement with the contact member, means including aprogressively rotatable shaft and a spring actuated by the shaft forvmoving the switch out of engagement with the contact member and manuallyoperable and currentresponsive means for releasably retaining the,

switch ber.

30. Switch mechanism comprising a conin engagement with the contactmemtact member, a switch member, movable into engagement with thecontact member, means including a progressively rotatable shaft formanually operating the switch member, re-

silient energy storing means placed under stored in the resilient'meansthereby causing interruption of the current traversing the switch memberunder overload conditions.

31. Switch mechanism comprising a switch member, current-responsiveenergy-storing means for initiating movement of the switch, aprogressively rotatable shaft for actuating the energy-storing means tostore energy 0f the shaft is-permitted without further. aifecting' thesaid means aftcra predetertherein, and a slip connection between theshaft and the said means whereby rotation of the shaft is permittedwithout further atfecting the said means after a predetermined amount ofenergy is stored therein.

32. Switch mechanism comprising a switch member, thermal-responsiveenergy-storing means for initiating movement of the switch, aprogressively rotatable shaft for actuating the energy-storing means tostore energy. therein, and a slip connection between the shaft and thesaid means whereby rotation mined amount of energy is stored therein. Acircuit lnterrupter comprising a switch means movable to open andto-closed positions, an operating member permitting opening movement ofthe switch means in-V. dependently thereof, resilient energy-storingmeans placed under stress during manual' "operation of the circuitinterrupter'for moving the switch means to closed position with v a snapaction and for biasing the switch,

means, while it is in closed position, towardfl open position, and acurrent-responsive means continuously energized by the currenttraversing the switch means for releasably retaining the switch means inclosed posi-,

tion and for liberating energy stored in the energy storing means,thereby causing the interruption of current traversing. the switch meansunder conditions of .excess current. 34..A circuit interruptercomprlsing a.

' switchmeans movable to two operating p0- sitions, manual operatingmeans permitting movement-of the switch means to one of sa1d positionsindependently thereof, energy stormg meansplacedv under stress duringmanual operations of the circuit interrupter for imparting, a snapmovement of the switch means to an operating'position and for biasingthe switch means'while in said position toward its other operatingposition, and for moving it to its other operating position witha snapaction and-a current" responslv'e means, continuously energized by thecur-' ting opening movementof the switch mean's independently thereof,resiliefiteiiergy storing means placed under stress during manualoperation of the circuit interrupter for im-, parting a snap motion tothe operation of the switch means to open andto closed positions,

current responsive means continuously energized by the currenttraversing the switch means for releasably retaining it in closedposition and for liberating, under predetermined current conditions,energy stored in whereby the contact member is biased toward .openposition when it 1s-1n closed po-v sit1on, and a current responsivemeans continuously energized by the current traversing the contactmember for liberating energy stored in theenergy storing means, therebycausing the interruption of the current traversing the contact memberunder conditions of overload.

. 37. A circuit interrupter comprising a switch means movable to openand closed position, manual operating means permitting opening movementof the switch means independently thereof, resilient energy storingmeans placed under stress during manuand movable a ai operation of thecircuit interrupter for imparting a snap motion to the operation of theswitch means to open and closed posiv i tion and for biasing theswitchmeans toward open position,fwhen in closed position,

current'yresponsive means continuously energized bythe currenttraversingthe switch means-for releasablyretaining it in closedpositionand for liberating, under predetermined current conditions,energy stored in the resilient means, thereby causing interruption ofthe current'traversing the switch means.

v JULIAN H. KENDIG,

rent traversing the switch means for releasably retaining the switch.means in its first said operating position and for" liberating energystoredin the energystorin means,

thereby causing the interruption 0 current traversing the contactmembers'underj predetermined current conditions. 35. A circuit interruptercomprising a switch means-movable to open-andto closed positions, manualppcrating means permits izo,

